1. U.S. Domestic Reactor Conversion Program Fuel Inspections and Quality Control David F. Capp Research Reactor Fuels Inspector/Engineer 2007 RRFM Conference September 2007

2. The RERTR U.S. Domestic Conversion Program continues in its support of the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) to convert seven U.S. Test Research and Training Reactors to low enriched uranium (LEU) by 2010. An important part of conversion process is the procurement of the fuel and other reactor components by the INL. The presentation will be a general overview of the Quality Assurance/Inspection processes used to procure components for the reactors with some specifics on the inspection processes used for plate type fuel elements and TRIGA elements.

3. Qualification and Training Personnel Qualification –NDT personnel in accordance with SNT-TC-1A –Other Inspectors / Operators in accordance with Customer approved procedures. Training –Documented On-Job-Training –Comprehensive Training Checklists –Division-Wide Training (i.e., Safety, Regulatory, etc)

4. Establishing Requirements 10 CRF830.120 Quality Assurance Program. Component Specifications based on University Specifications and Safety Analysis

5. Quality Assurance Program Based on ASME Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1)

6. Receipt Inspection of Raw Material

7. Weighing of Fuel Charge

8. Fluoroscope Inspection

9. Plate Inspection/Visual, Dim.

10. Void Volume

11. X-Ray of Plate Type Fuel

12. Radiographic Evaluation

13. Dimensioning of Fuel Core

14. Homogeneity Evaluation

15. Ultrasonic Inspection, Bonding and Min Clad

16. UT Bond Inspection

17. Channel Probe, Water Channels

18. Dimensional

21. Eddy Current, Filming Thickness

22. Completed Element

23. Missouri Completed Element

24. Preparation for Shipment

25. Loading of Elements

26. TRIGA Type Fuel

27. Dimensional

31. Weld Inspection/100%

32. Leak Test Equipment

33. Leak Testing Chamber T

34. Final Visual

35. Completed TRIGA Elements

36. Receipt of Fuel

37. Receipt Inspection

38. Control of Quality Records Maintenance of Quality Records based on Requirements of NQA-1 –Records Consist of Documents, UT Traces, X-Ray Film, etc

39. Control of Quality Records Record Retention –Lifetime Records –Nonpermanent Records

40. Oversight Inspection In Process Prior to Shipment Inspections are Checked due to the Complexity of the Processes